India is seeing a surge in orders from the Middle East for a variety of food products as demand rises there. Indian exporters to the Gulf region, however, are concerned over future orders from the region if the existing ban on flights to countries like the UAE are extended.
These bans are related to the surge in Covid cases in India: There were over 379,000 Covid-19 cases and 3,645 deaths on Thursday, a new record in daily infections and deaths in the country.
Ajai Sahai, director general and CEO of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), has stated: “Generally exporter orders are valid for two months and extension or fresh orders are often negotiated in person over the table. There is a growing concern among our exporters about their future order plans in the Middle East market if their travel plans to the region are affected in the event of a further extension in the suspension of flights.”
The FIEO top official said since the pandemic broke out last year, many countries are 'disappointed with China', impacting imports from that country, especially food items, which is helping Indian exporters in a big way.
“This has led to increased orders from the Middle East for a wide range of processed food products, cereals, fresh vegetables, fruits and marine products,” Sahai told arabianbusiness.com. “Since there is no ban on cargo flights, our exports to the UAE and other countries in the region are not impacted at all.”